wreck dirigible R 38.

1921 year. As a result of the crash of the airship the R 38, which broke into two pieces, killing 44 person.

Interest in the airspace in the United States was caused by the First World War. Due to the lack of ability to build airships, America had to seek the assistance of the Entente countries. They hoped to get a virgin landers.

But the French and the British have addressed earlier and managed to collect all the available countries airships. In the last years of the war Britain was able to successfully construct airships themselves. Already in their first year 1919 34 the R was able to rise into the air, heading from Scotland to the United States.

Whatever the distance, equal to 5000 km, the R 34 108 hours required 12 minutes. When they returned to Europe, back, blowing a fair wind and travel time was reduced to 75 hours. To implement the required flight 56 hours of preparation for this they okolesili coast of Germany.

Having achieved considerable success, the British decided to once again prove its dominance in the celestial expanse. They went in flight due to low visibility of their ship collided with a hill, but the crew was able to get to the Howden where the air base was located. But just to get to them could not slip, and the airship suffered due to wind gusts.

After accounting for all damage, it was decided not to rebuild the ship.

Realized British government has an interest in the success of the United States of America. They were very impressed successful flight across the Atlantic Ocean. The Americans decided to order the British ship R 38, which they renamed ZR 2.

Congress allocated US $ 2 500 000. To carry out the order of the company began to Cardington - "Short Brothers" and "Royal eyrship Works." The calculations at the design R 38, which is considered to be an improved version of R 34, mistakes were made, which further affected the strength.

Projects in the first 38 the R airships were made back in the year 1918, the length of the vessel was 212 meters and a diameter of 77600 cubic meters. Speed, which could develop ship was 106 km / h and the maximum weight that can be lifted, was equal to 46 t. In accordance with these characteristics, and the R 38 was built for the United States.

At first, all flights were successful. Sometimes felt a lack of stiffness, but is written off to the positive response for the timely absorption occurring conditions.

For the first flights, committed 1921 year showed that at high speed the poor quality of management. For the period of the third flight of the deformed body.

Another flight ended unsuccessfully. airship rate was 106 km / h. He unintelligible sounds flying through the warm air. Maxfield - the captain of the ship began testing turns at small radii. R 38 because of the high load was divided into two parts to the audience.

The front end started to burn, it happened due to the fact that the broken wiring. Flames start to blaze across the court, and then an explosion that was caused by gas cylinders.

Next, the front part of the beginning to sink into the water after her and back. Escape could only 5 from 49-on aboard. The bodies of almost all the dead were severe burns.